High efficiency variable speed versatile power air conditioning system for military vehicles

Based on the foundation of thermal management system developed by Rocky Research and working closely with TARDEC personnel, this paper addresses design, development, and testing of two delivered environmental control prototypes to TARDEC. The delivered prototypes are electrically driven vapor compression systems enhanced with Rocky Research vector drive for speed control, use of Pulsing Thermal Expansion Valve (PTXV) for precise refrigerant control, and power electronic package capable of running efficiently from both AC and DC power sources seamlessly. These prototypes were fully tested at different ambient temperature conditions at Rocky Research environmental chamber and their performance were logged and documented. The cooling capacity was measured to be in range of 6,000 to 12,000 Btu/hr and the Coefficient of Performance (COP) was measured to be above 1.5 at high ambient temperature conditions. This reflects close to 50% improvement in efficiency, when compared to current state of technology, and can result in considerable fuel and cost savings for the military